Acephalgic migraine facts for kids

This is what a scintillating scotoma may look like to some people. Scintillating scotoma is one symptom of Acephalgic migraine;head pain is not.

An Acephalgic migraine is a special type of migraine that doesn't cause head pain. It's also called a 'Silent migraine'. The word 'acephalgic' comes from Latin words meaning "without head pain".

Understanding Acephalgic Migraines

Most migraines usually start before a person is 30 years old. However, acephalgic migraines often begin later in life, usually after age 40. They become more common as people get older.

Who Gets Silent Migraines?

Interestingly, unlike other types of migraines, acephalgic migraines are more common in males than in females. This is a key difference from typical migraines, which affect women more often.

What are the Symptoms of a Silent Migraine?

Even though there's no head pain, an acephalgic migraine can still cause other symptoms. These are known as neurologic dysfunction. This means that parts of the brain might not work correctly for a short time.

What is a Migraine Aura?

These temporary brain issues can lead to different kinds of problems. For example, some people might see flashing lights or zig-zag lines. Others might have blind spots where they can't see anything. These kinds of changes are called an aura. The aura is a common symptom of migraines, but with acephalgic migraines, it happens without the headache.